Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards (opisthotonos)

Exams and Tests

The doctor or nurse will examine you. This will usually show:

Fast heart rate

Fever

Mental status changes

Stiff neck

A lumbar puncture ("spinal tap") is an important test in diagnosing meningitis. This test is done to collect a sample of spinal fluid for examination. More than one sample may be needed to make the diagnosis.

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms:

Feeding problems

High-pitched cry

Irritability

Persistent unexplained fever

Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.

Prevention

The BCG vaccine may help prevent severe forms of tuberculosis, such as meningitis, in very young children who live in areas where the disease is common.

Treating people who have signs of a non-active (dormant) tuberculosis infection can prevent the spread of tuberculosis. A PPD test and other tuberculosis tests can be done to tell if you have this type of infection.

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